VZCZCXRO0918
RR RUEHGR
DE RUEHKG #0325/01 1081635
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 171635Z APR 08
FM AMEMBASSY KINGSTON
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6205
INFO RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE
RUEHSJ/AMEMBASSY SAN JOSE 1981

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KINGSTON 000325 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR WHA/CAR (JTILGHMAN) 
WHA/EPSC (VDEPIRRO) 
WHA/EPSC (FCORNEILLE) 
OES/STC FOR EILEEN KANE 
 
SAN JOSE FOR OES BERNARD LINK 
SANTO DOMINGO FOR FCS AND FAS 
 
E.O. 12958:  N/A 
TAGS: ENRG SENV ECON ETRD KSCA TSPL EAGR AMGT OTRA APER
JM, XL 
 
SUBJECT: JAMAICA: REQUEST FOR ENERGY SCIENCE FELLOW 
 
REF: A. STATE 28712 
 
¶B. KINGSTON 286 
¶C. 07 KINGSTON 1614 
 
SUMMARY 
-------- 
 
¶1. (SBU) Post would like to request a science fellow to assist in 
the emerging renewable energy sector in Jamaica.  The scope of work 
is relatively broad as Jamaica is seeking to expand its efforts on 
renewable energy on several fronts.  Post would like to select the 
fellow who will be best positioned to assist the GOJ in one or more 
of the fields below.  A recently announced renewable portfolio goal 
of a 15 percent increase by 2015 demonstrates the GOJ support for 
improvement in this sector.  Specific technologies presenting 
opportunities in Jamaica include biofuels, wind energy, solar 
energy, and mini-hydro power.  Export of renewable technologies to 
this region might also prove to be a worthwhile market for US 
companies if the GOJ can increase understanding and market 
foundation for these sources of energy. The GOJ also has 
specifically requested information on the Clean Technology Fund as 
well as assistance on any other methods for funding 
renewable/alternative energy projects. 
 
Ethanol 
------- 
 
Jamaica conducted a successful pilot project to test vehicles using 
a gasoline/ethanol mix referred to as E10.  The GOJ is interested in 
developing wider distribution of E10 blends.  However, it needs 
assistance in the areas of developing technical plan for wider 
distribution of E10 on the island.  Jamaica's pilot study on the 
introduction of ethanol to petroleum fuel for motor vehicles was a 
positive start.  However, support on the commercial introduction and 
distribution would be helpful.  Support could include best 
practices, lessons learned, and contingency planning. 
 
Biodiesels: 
----------- 
 
Jamaica has no experience with biodiesel production. However, the 
country's climate, topography and soils are conducive to the 
production of large quantities of castor beans.  With oil content 
between 40 percent and 60 percent, if appropriate technologies 
exist, this could be a significant source for biodiesel production. 
The Ministry of Energy, Mining and Telecommunications has expressed 
interest in exploiting this opportunity. Technical support on 
biodiesel production from oilseed sources, and lessons-learned from 
other biodiesel markets would be helpful.  Most large vehicles in 
Jamaica, including public buses, run on diesel, thus constituting a 
potential market for biodiesel if it were available. 
 
 
Current Wind and Hydro Projects 
-------------------------------- 
 
There are some existing wind and hydro energy projects in Jamaica 
including as 20 megawatt wind farm owned by the Petroleum 
Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ).  PCJ and other research show potential 
for additional wind generating capacity at both the existing and 
other sites.  Jamaica would welcome assistance in the area of 
helping to develop its wind potential through private sector 
partnerships. 
 
Jamaica lacks the potential for large-scale hydroelectricity 
generation. However, it has about 23.8 megawatts of hydroelectric 
power installed (8 small hydro plants), with the potential for about 
another 100 megawatts.  Technical assistance in developing wind or 
small hydro projects also would be a potential area of focus. 
 
Solar Energy: 
----------- 
 
Jamaica has abundant solar energy and has conducted basic research 
into measuring the solar potential around the island.  With the 
extensive use of air-conditioning in the hotel sector, Jamaica's 
high peak daily electricity demand could be managed with distributed 
generation, utility-scale solar plants, or both.  To date, no 
utility scale solar plant exists, and use of distributed solar is 
growing only slowly.  The GOJ is beginning some groundwork in this 
sector through the use of solar water heaters on public buildings, 
 
KINGSTON 00000325  002 OF 002 
 
 
exempting renewable energy equipment from import taxes, and drafting 
net-billing legislation. Under the right conditions, potential 
exists to significantly increase market penetration of distributed 
solar energy technology, considering that retail electricity rates 
are triple those of many US markets where use of distributed solar 
already has traction. 
 
Energy Sector Background 
------------------------ 
 
Jamaicans pay about USD 0.26 per kilowatt hour for electricity: this 
high cost relative to other Caribbean countries reduces Jamaica's 
attractiveness for FDI, especially in manufacturing and energy 
intensive industries.  The peak demand in Jamaica is 600 MW and the 
GOJ wants to add at least 70 megawatts in renewable energy.  The 
government released a request for proposals in April 08 seeking 
investment in renewable energy on a Build Own Operate basis over an 
initial 20 years (reftel A). Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), a 
vertically integrated electric utility, is the sole retailer of 
electric power on the island. JPS is owned by Marubeni Caribbean 
Holdings (Japanese) (80%) and the GOJ (20%). 73 percent of the 
installed capacity is owned by JPS and the remainder by Independent 
Power Producers (IPPs).  Jamaica, an oil-dependent nation, uses 
approximately 27.4 million barrels per year at a cost that exceeded 
USD 2 billion in 2007. The country is hoping to improve energy 
security by diversifying into renewable energy. 
 
Response To Reftel Questions 
---------------------------- 
 
-- The ideal fellow brings a wealth of scientific knowledge, and 
industry, academic, and government contacts in the field of 
renewable energy. The Fellow should be as comfortable completing a 
site-assessment as conducting quantitative research, or presenting 
to high-level technical and non-technical audiences. A graduate of a 
regarded energy resources program, relevant engineering background 
and education, or extensive experience developing renewable energy 
resources could be best suited for this position. 
 
-- Opportunities for the fellow include assisting the GOJ assess 
resource potential, develop business catalyst programs, target R&D, 
collaborate with local universities, craft specific projects, and 
recommend policies to foster growth of renewable energy use.  A 
self-starter who is able to tactfully navigate a government 
bureaucracy while giving technical advice would do well in this 
position. 
 
-- There are no specific additional skills that a Fellow should 
posses; Jamaica is English speaking, so no additional language 
skills are needed. 
 
-- Post is flexible on the timeframe for hosting a Fellow, although 
late summer is preferable. 
 
-- The proposed length of fellowship is three months, and a medical 
clearance is necessary. 
 
-- A security clearance is not required for this work 
 
-- The point of contact at the Embassy is: Nathan Carter, Economic 
Officer email: CarterNC@state.gov and phone: 876-702-6028 
 
-- Post will provide housing, office support, and other in-country 
travel arrangements.